Thanks to an impressive effort from Chevy engineers, the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro will get a noticeable bump in horsepower for the new model year—but without sacrificing its ability to achieve 30 mpg on the highway.

The key to this achievement is the new, integrated exhaust-manifold cylinder head that will be used with the Camaro’s advanced 3.6-liter V6 engine. The new cylinder head—”heads” actually, as each V6 requires two—is made of lightweight cast aluminum and replaces an iron exhaust manifold, gasket and heat shield, along with nine bolts needed to attach those components. Not only does the change eliminate a potential site of gasket failure where the old head met the block, but it also slices a full 13 lbs. off the powerplant’s overall weight.

“Reducing engine mass of this magnitude doesn’t happen often,” said Ameer Haider, GM assistant chief engineer for V6 engines. “Engineering usually looks for reduction in terms of grams not pounds. It’s just like removing a set of golf clubs from your car when you don’t need them—ultimately it saves fuel. When combined with other mass reductions, the customer will see better fuel economy over time with better performance.”

In addition, drivers also will see intake airflow improved by 7 percent, exhaust flow increased by 10 percent and—perhaps most significantly—an additional 11 hp under the hood. That ups the ante on the Camaro’s V6 to a full 323 hp, and this comes while using regular gas, too. Other benefits include lower emissions, less engine noise and, because the new mill is noticeably smaller than the outgoing one, more room in the engine bay for those who like to turn their own wrenches.

“The new, patented design benefits the customer in all the key areas without any tradeoffs,” said Haider. “Emissions, performance, fuel economy, and noise all improve with the integrated exhaust manifold.”